Our educator in focus:

MRS YD GOVENDER

IN HER WORDS...

LEARNING NEVER STOPS

Thank you for allowing me to share some lessons I’ve learned along my journey. I consider myself a lifelong learner because life never stops offering new experiences and insights. Each day brings something new to discover, making my life more inspiring and joyous.

VANAKKUM TO MY HEATHER SCHOOL FAMILY

“Vanakkum” to my Heather School family. My mother always greeted everyone with this Tamil word, and it’s only now that I’ve realized its deeper significance. According to the Tholkappiyam, one of the oldest surviving Tamil grammar texts written over 3,000 years ago, “Vanakkum” is more than just a simple greeting; it’s a profound expression of respect, acknowledging one’s soul and their connection to the creator.

My parents interacted with people from all walks of life—different ages, races, and social statuses. From them, I learned to treat everyone with good manners, love, respect, and dignity, always seeking to see the good in others. They taught me to do everything from the heart, not for praise or reward, and to keep God at the centre of my universe. I believe in the principle of karmic action—doing unto others as you would have them do to you.

I’ve also learned to value my name and identity deeply. If I respect and love myself, I can extend that same respect to others, valuing their views and feelings, even when we don’t agree. One key lesson I’ve learned is that once words are spoken, they can never be taken back, and the way you make someone feel can stay with them forever. Learning to listen and to mind my own business are skills I’m still acquiring.

FOMO AND LIFE EXPERIENCES

Many of you know that I’ve always had FOMO—the fear of missing out. Whether in school or on holiday, I’ve always been eager to soak up every experience, enjoying every minute of teaching and learning. On holiday, I’m like Speedy Gonzales, rushing to capture every beautiful scene, often leaving my family behind with no photos of us together because I’m too busy photographing the attractions.

A recent experience on Mount Sinai in Egypt, however, taught me a valuable lesson. I couldn’t rush up the mountain as I usually would because the journey started at midnight, and I had to follow the guide slowly up the 10 km rocky path to the summit, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. From this, I learned to slow down, appreciate the beauty around me, and create a personal “11th commandment”: Thou shall not rush.

A LIFETIME OF DISCIPLINE AND JOY

For many years, I’ve followed simple rules that have brought joy and ease to my life. Making my bed each morning transforms my space, and I’ve stuck to an exercise routine five times a week for over 50 years, which has kept me healthy, reduced stress, and allowed me to maintain the same dress size. I challenge all of you to try the Zen Swing, as taught by Troy Casey, the "Certified Health Nut" on YouTube, for one month. It will energize your mind, body, and soul. My motto is inspired by Regina Brett: “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.”

Dancing has also been an integral part of my life. I’ve enjoyed various styles, from classical ballet and Bharatnatyam to Spanish, ballroom, and modern dance. For the past 15 years, I’ve been passionate about line dancing, which not only keeps my body fit but also sharpens my mind with its demanding coordination and thought, while keeping me connected with many friends.

REFLECTIONS AND GRATITUDE

Over four decades as an educator, I’ve gained many nuggets of wisdom from my colleagues. One that stands out is how male colleagues can disagree on certain issues and remain great friends, resolving conflicts quickly without taking things personally. This has taught me to fight my own battles, mind my own business, and remember that what others think of me is their opinion, not my reality.

As educators, we have valuable knowledge and experience that we must use to guide, support, and motivate our youth to become better members of society.

To all the incredible women in my life, I salute you. We’ve shared magical moments together, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating our joys. You are always close to my heart, and thinking of you fills me with tremendous joy.

Wishing you all God’s abundant blessings of love, laughter, and happiness.

Meet Mrs YD Govender, a remarkable educator whose passion for teaching has touched countless lives. Born on October 4, in Pietermaritzburg, she embarked on her teaching career after matriculating from Woodlands in 1976. Over the next 22 years, she enriched the minds of young learners at Woodlands with lessons in Physical Education, Natural Sciences, and Biology. She then spent 18 years at Heather Secondary School, where she dedicated herself to teaching Mathematics, Maths Literacy, and Life Science. Mrs Govender's commitment to education goes beyond the classroom — she is a loving wife, a mother of two daughters, and a doting grandmother to a two-year-old grandson. Her lifelong dedication to learning and teaching continues to inspire both learners and fellow educators.

CareerFest 2.0

The future belongs to the youth...

CareerFest 2.0

Recap of 3rd August 2024

CareerFest 2.0, which took place on 3rd August 2024, was brought to life by the efforts of Ms K Naick and Ms R Roopnund. It built on the momentum of our alumni supported April university-centric CareerFest and surpassed all expectations with its focus on exploring diverse career pathways available to our learners and spotlighted Further Education and Training (FET) opportunities.

A Day of Discovery and Engagement The day was marked by a series of inspiring talks, interactive workshops, and engaging exhibitions, all aimed at broadening our learners' understanding of the myriad career opportunities available to them. Our learners and their parents participated actively, exploring a range of possibilities from academic pathways to vocational and technical careers.

Significant FET Opportunities One of the standout features of the day was the emphasis on FET opportunities, which drew significant interest from our students. Representatives from leading FET colleges and training centres provided invaluable insights into courses, entry requirements, and the promising career paths that vocational training can lead to. These sessions underscored the importance of skills development and technical proficiency in today's job market.

Interactive Sessions and Demonstrations The interactive nature of the presentations and the hands-on demonstrations were particularly impactful. Learners had the chance to engage directly with professionals and educators, gaining a realistic understanding of various fields through simulations and practical activities. These experiences were not only informative but also inspirational, providing a glimpse into potential future careers.

Community and Expert Engagement The involvement of our entire school community, including parents, educators, and local business leaders, enriched the discussions and expanded the network of support for our learners. The expert panels, consisting of industry professionals and academic leaders, facilitated meaningful conversations about trends in the job market and skills in demand.

Feedback and Positive Outcomes Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the insights gained and the connections made. Learners left the event more informed and confident about their next steps towards further education and career planning.

Gratitude We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of CareerFest 2.0, especially our dedicated staff, the enthusiastic participants, and our esteemed guests, including the honourable Judge President Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati, whose presence and support added a layer of inspiration to our endeavours.

Looking Forward The success of CareerFest 2.0 has set a dynamic precedent for future initiatives at Heather Secondary. We are committed to continuing this tradition of excellence, ensuring our learners have access to the best resources and guidance for their career journeys.

It is our vision to...

to be recognised as the hallmark of educational excellence,

where every learner is equipped to navigate and shape our dynamic society.

serving the Northdale community since 1981

One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.

Malala Yousafzai

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

Kicking off Heather's Women's Month celebration in style

Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Judge Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati

Heather Secondary School's Women's month celebrations was bolstered by the presence of the Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Judge Thoba Portia Poyo-Dlwati at the school's CareerFest 2.0. Her speech was one of the highlights of the event, providing inspiration and direction not only to the learners but also to parents, educators, and the broader community. Her presence symbolised the power of education, resilience, and leadership, which resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.

Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s speech was a masterclass in motivation, drawing from her own remarkable journey from a rural upbringing in Nkwenkwana, Eastern Cape, to becoming the first female Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal. Her message emphasised the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the transformative power of education. She spoke passionately about how every learner, no matter their background, has the potential to rise to great heights through hard work, focus, and the support of their community.

The key themes of her speech included:

• Breaking Barriers: Judge Poyo-Dlwati reflected on her experiences overcoming both gender and societal expectations, encouraging learners to break through the limitations imposed by circumstance or bias.

• The Power of Education: She emphasised how education is a tool for social mobility and a pathway to achieving dreams, urging learners to seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future.

• Community and Mentorship: A recurring message was the importance of community support and mentorship. She encouraged learners to lean on their educators and parents while also aspiring to become mentors and leaders in their own right.

• Choices and Consequences: Judge Poyo-Dlwati also reminded learners that every choice they make, big or small, has consequences, and that success comes from making informed, deliberate choices about their futures.

Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s speech left a profound impact on Heather Secondary’s learners. Her words instilled a sense of pride and possibility, particularly for female learners, who saw in her a living example of how women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Learners expressed that her speech made them feel empowered to pursue careers they may have previously thought were beyond their reach.

Her presence also conveyed to learners that no dream is too far-fetched and that their current circumstances need not define their future. As one learner noted, “Seeing someone like Judge Poyo-Dlwati, who came from humble beginnings like many of us, gives me hope that I can achieve great things too.”

For parents, Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s message reinforced the idea that their involvement in their children’s education is crucial to their success. Many parents felt motivated to further support their children in exploring diverse career options and in ensuring that they have the resources and encouragement to succeed whilst, for educators, the Judge’s speech underscored the significance of their role in shaping the future. Her call for mentorship and community involvement resonated deeply with teachers, many of whom saw her presence as a reminder of the lasting influence they can have on their learners.

Judge Poyo-Dlwati’s presence at CareerFest 2.0 held immense significance for the broader community. As a leader who has risen through the ranks in the KwaZulu-Natal judiciary, she is a shining example of what is possible when individuals are supported by their communities. Her life story speaks to the potential within every corner of society to produce great leaders, professionals, and change-makers...very much in harmony with our vision "to be recognised as the hallmark of educational excellence, where every learner is equipped to navigate and shape our dynamic society."

Rotary Club of Chatsworth Bottle Cap Initiative

Heather Secondary has also joined hands with the Rotary Club of Chatsworth, led by Mrs. N Naik, to support their Bottle Cap Initiative. Learners are encouraged to collect plastic bottle caps and bread clips, which are donated to provide wheelchairs for those in need. For every 40kg of caps collected, a company donates a wheelchair, which can be reused and refurbished as needed.

Heather Secondary has already collected six bin bags full of plastic bottle caps, with notable contributions from Akinchana Singh and Lamees Bux (Grade 11A). By participating in this initiative, learners are not only helping the environment by recycling plastic but also engaging in a humanitarian act of kindness.

Their trash is more than cash—it’s transforming lives!

Eco-Club: Empowering Change Through Environmental Action

At Heather Secondary, we are proud to highlight the efforts of our Eco-Club, founded by Cherese Naidoo (Grade 11A), a learner driven by her passion for environmental sustainability. Recognising the need for a recycling initiative within the school, Cherese approached Mr. A.D Stoffels, who provided valuable guidance in kickstarting the program. Together with a group of like-minded learners, they formed the Eco-Club with the inspiring motto, "Eco not Ego."

The Eco-Club has made significant strides in raising environmental awareness. Cherese delivered a powerful speech at a school assembly, motivating her peers to embrace recycling practices. They creatively painted recycling bins made from recycled cardboard and designed posters displayed around the school to promote their cause. Thanks to sponsorships from supportive individuals like Akinchana Singh (Grade 11A) and Woodlands Builders Supply, the Eco-Club brought their ideas to life.

Their current project focuses on developing a recycling village within the school and securing additional sponsorships to sustain future initiatives. By harnessing teamwork, creativity, and community support, the Eco-Club demonstrates that committed individuals can drive meaningful change for a more sustainable future.

On 27 July 2024, the club held its first community clean-up day, followed by a second clean-up on 31 August 2024, with sponsorship of bin bags and gloves by Mi7 Security Group. These clean-up efforts reflect their dedication to making a real impact in their community. The Eco-Club meets every Thursday during the second break in Room 49, under the supervision of Ms K Naick. All interested learners are encouraged to join.

If not now, then when?

If not us, then who?

On 15 August 2024, Heather Secondary’s Grade 11 learners participated in the Gandhi Mandela Youth Symposium at UKZN, hosted by the Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Foundation. The symposium aimed to bring together youth and examine the teachings and legacies of these historic leaders: Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela who, in their own ways and contexts, changed the course of history in a world plagued by conflict, inequality, and injustice. The event featured speakers addressing key challenges faced by youth, such as peer pressure, unemployment, and mental health.

Keynote speaker Nise Malange encouraged learners to follow the examples of Mandela and Gandhi by embracing resilience and continuous learning. Learners left inspired to apply the values of leadership and social responsibility in their own lives, recognising the power of unity and community engagement.